Filling the Jar with Positivity

What I have learned most in 2012 was how life can throw us curves when we least expect it. It’s how we deal with those curves that defines the outcome and how we proceed forward in our lives. With all we have seen on TV and in the news, we are constantly bombarded with negativity.

It made me think more and more about what really mattered to me—what was a priority versus what was important.

What can I really let go of? Are we going to see life’s curves as obstacles, which cannot be overcome? Are we going to be the victim, or are we going to take it all in and learn from it? How can one be more positive? We all have choices, which one are you going to take with you as 2013 ticks away?

I cannot take full credit for the below idea, but I am certainly going to expand on it. I am going to blog each day on my website about something that has inspired, motivated, or been a learning moment or a moment of gratitude. Follow me as I share my journey. Even better, try filling your OWN jar with positivity by using the below as an example:

To Create Your Jar of Positivity

1. Start off by getting an empty glass jar or carafe
2. Use small 2 x 3 inch note cards
3. Each day, write the date on one side of the card
4. On the other side, write something that has inspired, motivated, or been a learning moment or a moment of gratitude. These must all be good things that have happened. On New Years Eve 2013, open the jar and read how you’ve grOWN and what you’ve learned about yourself. OWN your wisdom.

Here’s one I did for today:
“I learned I don’t do well ‘idling;’ I’m better either parked or at full speed.”

“So what the heck does that mean,” you ask? Case in point: I’m up with my husband in New Hampshire skiing for two weeks. The house is quiet, snow falling, and the fire is roaring in the fireplace. But something seems to be amiss with me. I’m noticing my body feels uneasy. What is it? I had to sit with this one for a bit, but what I learned was I don’t do well “idling.” By that I mean “waiting for something to happen.” I don’t have a plan or a daily structure. If I’m parked, I’m choosing to be quiet, meditate, or be alone. When I’m at full throttle, I engaged, enthusiastic, energized, and, very often, at my very best. So why does “idling” make me feel out of my comfort zone? Hmmmm? Let’s look at who I am: I’m an organizer by nature; I like to have a plan, be active, be learning, and be involved. No wonder. So now what would make it easier?

Sallie’s Tip for Self and Others:
1. List two things that you could do when you feel you are “idling,” especially something which you would not normally do.For me, it would be reading a magazine cover to cover, searching the internet on a specific topic, etc.
2. But the key here is to be able to start and finish the project. Why?
3. To feel successful! There accompanies a sense of satisfaction with completing the task.
4. So don’t make it overwhelming. Short and sweet is good enough.

What will you do? And what will you learn about yourself that’s positive?

As featured on ABC, NBC, CNN, and FOX News affiliates across the country, Sallie Felton is a life coach, international radio talk show host, author, facilitator, and inspirational speaker. For more on Sallie, please visit her WEBSITE or follow her on TWITTER.